Thought
the history of Indian classical music can be traced back to 2500 years “the
dwindling audience for classical music concerts” is a matter of concern.
Lamenting the poor patronage received by classical music today, Maharashtra
Abhang Ratna Ganesh Kumar said that the younger generation should show more
interest in continuing this glorious tradition. He was speaking as the chief
guest at the final round classical music competition organised by the Sri
Prahlada Varadhan Thangigal Sabha (SPVST) at the Ahobila Mutt on Sunday.
Children from all over Mumbai and Navi Mumbai participated in rendering Sri
Thyagaraj Kritis. Among the 16 finalists, Karthik Suresh and Tejasvi S. were
awarded the first and second prizes respectively while the third prize went to
Pavitra Krishnaprakash. Shruti Iyer and R. Ramya won the consolation prizes.

Young
devotees of the Ahobila Mutt established the SPVST Sabha only a year ago to
assist the temple in all its activities and to instill in the young generation
awareness and interest about the Sanathana Dharma and the Philosophy of
Vashistadwita (qualified monism) as propagated by Bhagwad Ramanuja. The Sabha
plans to organise discourses, classical music concerts, etc in view of these
objectives.

To
commemorate the 157th Aradhana of the saint composer Thyagaraja, the
Sabha thought of involving school children to render the kritis. Forty-five
children took part in the competition. The competition was coordinated by
classical music exponent Pryadarshini Nrasimhan, G. Vishwas and V. Bharadwaj.

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MetroChemburDate : 11-17-2004

The
Sri Prahalada Varadhan Sripaadam Thangigal Sabha’s (SPVST) music competition
finals conducted on February 8, 2004 at Ahobila Mutt, Chembur, were a huge
success. 45 participants from throughout Mumbai participated in the preliminary
rounds that were conducted on Jan 26 at N. G. Acharya College, out of which 16
finalists were selected.

Priyadarshini
Narasimhan, convener, says the sabha was started a year ago to involve
youngsters in cultural programmes. “The competition was held to commemorate
the 157 birth anniversary of Saint Thyagaraja. Usually every Sabha organizes
music concerts for the occasion. So we thought of organising a music competition
for children.”

An
informative documentary on saint Thyagaraja was also screened for an hour to
educate the children. After which the chief guest Abhang Samrat Ganesh Kumar
gave away the prizes. Kartik Suresh won the first prize; Tejasvi S was placed
second and Pavitra Krishnaprakash was placed third. Shruti Iyer and Rmya Rajan
won the consolation prizes and participation certificates were awards to all
Students.